Swedish-Ghanaian forward Jonah Kusi-Asare found the net, but Fulham's youngsters came up just short after a nightmare first half at Walsall.
Swedish-Ghanaian forward Jonah Kusi-Asare put his name on the scoresheet for Fulham U21 on Tuesday, but his goal was not enough to prevent a 3-2 loss to Walsall in the Football League Trophy at the Bescot Stadium.
The hosts raced out of the blocks. Tai Sodje struck twice in the opening half, and James Furlong made it three just before the break, leaving Fulham's young side with a mountain to climb at the interval.
The visitors came out with far more purpose after the restart. Kusi-Asare reduced the deficit in the 54th minute, reviving hopes of a comeback. It was his first goal in two appearances in the competition this season, a useful return for a prospect continuing his development at Fulham's academy level. Dan Casey then made it 3-2 in the 71st minute, and Fulham pressed hard for an equalizer, but Walsall held firm to take the win.
The result leaves Fulham U21 fourth in Southern Group B, with Walsall sitting third. Attention now turns to Premier League 2 Division 1, where Fulham face Brentford U21 on October 18. Kusi-Asare will be eager to carry this momentum into that clash and keep making his case in the development squad.
